Submersible storage vessel system

Abstract

The invention is directed at a submersible storage vessel system and components thereof. The system includes a storage vessel and a support structure for supporting the storage vessel such that a downward gravitational force applied to the storage vessel and an upward buoyancy force applied to the storage vessel are both transferred to the support structure. More particularly, the support structure includes a bearing surface for contacting a ground surface so that the system is supported on the ground surface, a vessel support for supporting the storage vessel so that the downward gravitational force applied to the storage vessel is transferred to the support structure and a vessel anchor for anchoring the storage vessel so that the upward buoyancy force applied to the storage vessel is transferred to the support structure.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
       1. A prefabricated and preassembled storage vessel system for subterranean installation in ground having a groundwater table, the system comprising: 
       (a) a storage vessel having a weight;  
       (b) a support structure connected with the storage vessel, wherein the support structure defines a vessel housing, wherein the storage vessel is contained within the vessel housing, and wherein the support structure is comprised of:  
       (i) a bearing surface adapted for contacting the ground such that the system is supported on the ground;  
       (ii) a vessel support for supporting the storage vessel such that the weight of the storage vessel is transferred to the support structure;  
       (iii) a vessel anchor for anchoring the storage vessel against an upward buoyancy force exerted on the storage vessel when the groundwater table at least partly submerges the storage vessel, such that the upward buoyancy force is transferred to the support structure;  
       (iv) an exterior shell substantially surrounding the vessel housing, wherein the exterior shell permits the groundwater table to infiltrate the vessel housing such that the upward buoyancy force is exerted on the storage vessel; and  
       (c) a packing material contained within the vessel housing by the exterior shell, the packing material substantially surrounding the storage vessel in order to protect the storage vessel.  
     
     
       2. The system as claimed in claim  1  wherein the storage vessel is comprised of an exterior surface and wherein the vessel support contacts the exterior surface of the storage vessel at more than one location on the exterior surface of the storage vessel. 
     
     
       3. The system as claimed in claim  2  wherein the vessel support is comprised of a plurality of vessel support elements which contact the exterior surface of the storage vessel at a plurality of locations on the exterior surface of the storage vessel. 
     
     
       4. The system as claimed in claim  3  wherein the storage vessel has a vessel length, a first vessel end and a second vessel end and wherein the vessel support elements support the storage vessel between the first vessel end and the second vessel end. 
     
     
       5. The system as claimed in claim  3  wherein the storage vessel has a vessel length, a first vessel end and a second vessel end and wherein the vessel support elements are comprised of a plurality of transverse ribs which are spaced between the first vessel end and the second vessel end to support the storage vessel between the first vessel end and the second vessel end. 
     
     
       6. The system as claimed in claim  5  wherein the vessel support elements are further comprised of a first longitudinal rib for supporting the storage vessel at the first vessel end and a second longitudinal rib for supporting the storage vessel at the second vessel end. 
     
     
       7. The system as claimed in claim  1  wherein the vessel anchor is comprised of at least one holddown device associated with the support structure for anchoring the storage vessel to the support structure. 
     
     
       8. The system as claimed in claim  7  wherein the holddown device is comprised of at least one holddown strap. 
     
     
       9. The system as claimed in claim  8  wherein the storage vessel has a first vessel end and a second vessel end and wherein the vessel anchor is comprised of a first holddown strap and a second holddown strap which connect the storage vessel with the support structure between the first vessel end and the second vessel end. 
     
     
       10. The system as claimed in claim  1  wherein the storage vessel defines an interior chamber, wherein the storage vessel is further comprised of at least one fitting to facilitate access to the interior chamber, and wherein the support structure further comprises a fitting anchor for connecting the fitting with the support structure so that a fitting force applied to the fitting is transferred to the support structure. 
     
     
       11. The system as claimed in claim  1  wherein the packing material is comprised of aggregate. 
     
     
       12. The system as claimed in claim  1  wherein the packing material is comprised of rubber particles. 
     
     
       13. The system as claimed in claim  12  wherein the packing material is further comprised of aggregate. 
     
     
       14. The system as claimed in claim  1  wherein the support structure is further comprised of at least one lifting lug for lifting the system without applying a lifting force directly to the storage vessel. 
     
     
       15. The system as claimed in claim  1  wherein the support structure has a first support structure end and a second support structure end, wherein the support structure is comprised of a first lifting lug located adjacent to the first support structure end and a second lifting lug located adjacent to the second support structure end, and wherein the first lifting lug and the second lifting lug enable the system to be lifted without applying the lifting force directly to the storage vessel. 
     
     
       16. The system as claimed in claim  15  wherein the support structure is further comprised of a first frame element located adjacent to the first support structure end and a second frame element located adjacent to the second support structure end, wherein the first lifting lug is associated with the first frame element, and wherein the second lifting lug is associated with the second frame element. 
     
     
       17. The system as claimed in claim  16  wherein the storage vessel defines an interior chamber, wherein the storage vessel is further comprised of at least one fitting to facilitate access to the interior chamber, and wherein the support structure further comprises a fitting anchor for connecting the fitting with the support structure so that a fitting force applied to the fitting is transferred to the support structure. 
     
     
       18. The system as claimed in claim  17  wherein the fitting anchor connects the fitting to the first frame element or to the second frame element. 
     
     
       19. The system as claimed in claim  18  wherein the support structure is further comprised of a third frame element which is connected to at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element, and wherein the fitting anchor connects the fitting to the first frame element, to the second frame element, or to the third frame element. 
     
     
       20. The system as claimed in claim  19  wherein the packing material is comprised of aggregate. 
     
     
       21. The system as claimed in claim  20  wherein the storage vessel is constructed of a corrosion resistant material. 
     
     
       22. The system as claimed in claim  21  wherein the corrosion resistant mate raised of fiberglass. 
     
     
       23. The system as claimed in claim  20  wherein the exterior shell is comprised of sheet metal. 
     
     
       24. The system as claimed in claim  19  wherein the packing material is comprised of rubber particles. 
     
     
       25. The system as claimed in claim  24  wherein the packing material is further comprised of aggregate. 
     
     
       26. The system as claimed in claim  1  wherein the system has a weight sufficient to overcome the upward buoyancy force when the storage vessel is empty and is completely submerged by the groundwater table.